Chad’s Considerations

Dear Friends:

When I entered my PhD public health program in January 2007, I had no expectation that it would prepare me for a global pandemic. Yet, here we are, six months into an international health crisis that shows no signs of slowing in our country, despite progress made elsewhere.

After postponing a trip to Texas for four months, I finally made the flight in July because there were things to which I needed to attend. I wore my favorite mask, made by Megan Rowe, and sanitized my hands so much they were chapped upon arrival. I self-quarantined for 12 days before visiting my parents. To say it ’s been an unusual trip is an understatement.

Y’all, these are trying times. Like you, I’m ready for life to go back to normal. I want to come and go as I please, and that includes attending in -person worship services. I want to bake communion bread, hear the choir sing, and ring bells with friends. I really want to enjoy another meal prepared by the fabulous Hospitality Committee.

Sadly, that time isn’t here yet. It would be unsafe and irresponsible of us to “jump the gun” and convene prematurely. I say this from a public health perspective. We all want to be together and experience what we know as familiar, but the risk remains too great to chance a setback now.

Current times have reminded me that my faith is not bound within the sanctuary walls. In the last six months, I’ve been forced to seek God and find Jesus in new places and through different platforms. While it hasn’t been easy, my faith has grown.

Despite our discouragements, I hope we will keep hanging on. In the grand scheme of time, this will be a blip on our lives, but a blip where we looked out for our neighbors and did what was necessary to take care of each another.

As we continue to navigate this time of uncertainty, I’ll close with a quote from my favorite 2020 summer read, The Book of Longings, which sums up my anticipation for the times ahead: “When I tell you all shall be well, I don’t mean that life won’t bring you tragedy. Life will be life. I only mean you will be well in spite of it. All shall be well, no matter what.”

I look forward to joining y’all again in the pews when it is safe to do so!

Until then, I’ll see you online!

Chad Vickers